Flora Clark Obituary

Flora Venus Trusley Clark

August 24, 1937 -

October 12, 2025

APPALACHIA, VA - Flora Venus Trusley Clark, 88, of Appalachia, Virginia, passed away on Sunday, October 12, 2025, after a five-year battle with dementia.

Venus was born on August 24, 1937, in Norton, the second daughter of John and Stella Trusley. From the very beginning, she shared a special bond with her older sister, Emma.

In 1958, Venus married her life partner, James "Teddy Bear" Clark. For 38 years, they shared a partnership of love until his passing in 1996. Together, they formed a unique and complementary partnership, blending their strengths and passions while raising two children, Kim and Greg, with the same steadfast commitment to service that defined them both.

Venus attended Norton Elementary School from 1943 to 1950 and graduated from Appalachia High School in 1955. She continued her education at Clinch Valley College, earning a Collegiate Certificate in 1957, and then entered Lincoln Memorial University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and minor in Chemistry in 1959. In 1960, she completed the Medical Technology program at the University of Virginia (Charlottesville) and earned her registration as a Medical Technologist through the American Society of Clinical Pathologists in 1961.

Venus devoted more than four decades to St. Mary's Hospital in Norton from 1961 to 2004, serving faithfully as Laboratory Manager. Working closely with the sisters of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God, who founded the hospital, Venus built a career that was both fulfilling and impactful. She revered "The Sisters," whose compassion profoundly shaped her own life and the lives of countless patients and families across the region.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James "Teddy Bear" Clark; her parents, John and Stella Justice Trusley; her granddaughter, Ashton Teglas; and her son-in-law, Johnny Teglas.

Venus is survived by her daughter, Kimberly Clark Teglas of Blacksburg; her son, James Greggory Clark of Palmyra; her grandson, Jon Clark Teglas of Blacksburg; and her sister, Emma Jean Trusley Delph of East Stone Gap. She also leaves behind many dear nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and colleagues.

During her illness, Venus was surrounded by special friends who stood by her faithfully. It truly took a village: Phyllis Aistrop, Glen and Bet Brock, Mary Jane Fannon, Carla Cornett, Chris Fisher, Carletta Fannon, Lynda Stallard, Jan Bolling,

Mary Walthall, and the teams at Warm Hearth Village and Good Samaritan Hospice (Blacksburg, Virginia) whose care and constant support brought her comfort and strength.

A committal service will be held on Tuesday, October 14, at 1 p.m. at American Legion Cemetery in Big Stone Gap with Rev. Ben Harding officiating. Family and friends should meet at the cemetery by 12:45 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Good Samaritan Hospice, Attn: Development, 4751 Cove Road NW, Roanoke, Virginia 24017.

Roy A. Green Funeral Home, Appalachia, is in charge of arrangements.